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Elegant Curiosities

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The inspiration behind this look derives from the realm of BDSM, where women often wield power over men. However, this piece carries a deeper symbolic message. It is worn by a man expressing femininity for the photo shoot and on the runway at Fashion Week. The designer wants to highlight the silent struggle of men who love to embrace femininity yet often feel constrained by societal expectations and judgments, hence the metaphorical ‘muzzle.’

As the designer and her partner identify as genderfluid and run a gender makeover business (Trans Makeover), this topic is deeply personal to them.

The muzzle is elegantly decorated with freshwater pearls, amethyst cabochons, and 24k gold and sterling silver details, all meticulously hand-gilded.

The collar showcases an amethyst set in a 4-prong sterling silver setting, with four additional amethyst cabochons integrated into the bronze alloy chain. It’s further adorned with freshwater pearls and sterling silver beads.

The pasties also feature freshwater pearls, while the chains in between are punctuated with sterling silver beads. Both the muzzle and the pasties are graced with hand-gilded 24k gold and sterling silver details, adding an extra level of sophistication and intricacy.

The muzzle the pasties and collar, have hand gilded 24k gold and sterling silver details.

The pasties feature a backing that already includes a layer of skin glue. Following wear, a new layer of skin glue should be applied (which will be provided with the piece).

The skirt is made of a flowy polyester fabric with silky look.

Included with his look: *Pasties *Skirt *Muzzle *Gloves *Collar and leash.

About the collection

These creations cater to anyone wishing to embody their feminine side or make a statement with luxurious, distinct, and exclusive attire. Each garment doubles as a piece of jewelry in its own right. Elements in her designs incorporate historical artifacts, 24k hand-gilded and silver-plated details, precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and 14k gold. All these elements converge to ensure that you’re not simply donning an item of clothing, but adorning a jewel, each bearing its unique narrative and source of inspiration.

Designer: Laila van den Dageraad / Elegant Curiosities

Model: @catharina_love_x

Photograpy: Laurens van Riel

Intern Coupeuse (skirts): Julia Eliene Vos

Music Production Showcase: Robin Post & HermanusArtisticus

Why is my collection black?

Most of the time, roughly 90%, I choose to don black attire because of its timeless elegance and sophisticated style. However, black is more than just a fashion statement, it has a profound significance that can be understood better through a historical lens.

During the era of the Romans and the Middle Ages, black was often symbolized as a color of power and respect. As time moved into the 13th century, the perception of the color black underwent a transformation, becoming associated with malignity and mortality. This notion was often reinforced by creatures of the dark, such as cats and crows, which were seen as omens of evil.

Creating the color black was a highly costly process, typically achieved by extracting pigments from bark, roots, and fruits. However, these sources often yielded shades that leaned more towards blue, gray, or brown. The most effective method to procure black dye was through the use of Oak apples. Despite their potency in producing the desired hue, their minuscule size meant that a vast quantity was required to generate a relatively small volume of dye.

During the 14th century, the popularity of black clothing began to rise. In those times, especially in Italy, societal norms prohibited the wearing of specific colors unless you belonged to the upper echelons of society. Affluent individuals without such status desired to distinguish themselves as well, and they found a loophole in the absence of any restrictions on the costly color black. This allowed them to subtly flaunt their wealth. As a consequence, the demand for black fabric soared, and this in turn refined the expertise of the dye-makers.

The captivating allure of black attire was not lost on society. Its deep, refined hue captivated the aristocracy of Europe, who quickly adopted it as a part of their attire. By the close of the 14th century, even foreign monarchs and noblemen began to show an inclination towards black clothing. Consequently, black established itself as the preferred color among noble youth for many ensuing centuries.

My love for history and luxury made me choose this color for my collection.

Elegant Curiosities

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About the collection

Why is my collection black?

Elegant Curiosities

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